Sunday, October 17, 2010

Delight in the genius of others

Tonight, I had the privilege to attend a concert the Minnesota Orchestra presented. I cannot recall the last concert of any orchestra I have seen. When I was younger, from middle school into high school, I played violin in the city orchestra. I remember feeling relatively indifferent toward the music I played for the concerts at that time in my life. I am sure I saw several concerts when I was in college, but since then, I do not remember having been.
I was so very excited to see this ensemble perform tonight. They were highlighting their upcoming season, and played a piece or two from different concerts on their schedule. So much amazed me about the performance, and some of that was how I was affected by it.
When I moved here, my primary focus was on my internship. The people I know here, I know because of the internship or because of their roles in supporting the internship (I can elaborate if you'd like). However, I have not sought out live performance for years, to be honest. I am beginning to identify myself as a musician (which still makes me uncomfortable), but I have been thinking in terms of research and academia for a long time. For the past three years, my thoughts on music related to how it helps other people, quite simply. My interests were concerning the research surrounding effects of music therapy in a number of populations. Even my reasoning for participating in a band, as I have since I moved here, had much to do with the potential development as a violinist in a non-classical context, which has everything to do with honing those abilities for music therapy.
Tonight's performance enlightened me. The orchestra and its soloists were phenomenal, and to see them use their talents in that way was especially wonderful for me tonight. I could hardly stop smiling. The energy and genius of those people was outstanding. I feel as though I am a better person for having gotten to participate in that experience. I am inspired, now, to believe in the music I have within me. I am encouraged to embrace the talent I possess, as well as to develop it further. But not because doing so will enable me to be a more effective music therapist (when I become a professional), but because I will be a happier, more fulfilled person.
Thanks for reading.